Former Barcelona star Ronaldinho has poured cold water on suggestions that Lionel Messi could return to Camp Nou this summer.
The Brazilian’s comments came after Messi’s dad Jorge admitted he "hopes" his son returns to Barcelona "someday" after leaving the club last summer. The Argentine’s career at Paris Saint-Germain has not gone to plan since his move to the Parc des Princes a year ago, and he has found the net just six times in 26 domestic appearances for Les Parisiens.
Ronaldinho and Messi shared a warm embrace ahead of PSG's Champions League clash against RB Leipzig back in October – when the Brazilian was a guest of honour. The two were very close friends during their playing days together at Barca, were Ronaldinho helped a young Messi embed into the first-team squad and they have remained close over the years since.
Not only have the two attacking stars played together at the Camp Nou but they have also represented PSG – where Ronaldinho became one of the biggest stars in the world before his switch to Catalonia. His stint in the French capital panned out much better than Messi's fortunes in the city thus far.
In March, PSG fans booed Messi and Neymar during the club's first Ligue 1 match following their elimination from the Champions League by Real Madrid at the last-16 stage. The two South American superstars were jeered with every touch of the ball they had against Bordeaux.
That has prompted suggestions that Messi could leave PSG midway through his two-year contract at the club. When Messi's father, Jorge, was quizzed about his son pulling on the Barca shirt again by the Jijantes FC Twitch account and left the door open by responding: "I hope it [happens], someday."
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However, Ronaldinho has hinted that he does not believe such a move will take place. Speaking to TeleFoot, the Brazilian spoke about Messi's difficulties in Paris and his confidence that the player’s situation at the club would improve next season: “His difficulties are normal. To change club after so long, it is not easy. Next season, with more adaptation, he will be even better.”
Ronaldinho’s comments are a clear suggestion that Messi will be further adapted into PSG's side for next season and he believes the Argentine will remain at the Parc des Princes. Messi’s deal at the club runs through to the summer of 2023.
Despite Ronaldinho's exit from the Camp Nou in 2008, he had been a teammate of Messi for three-and-a-half years and the two struck up a close personal friendship in those years.
